Project PNRR CTA PLUS

Title
CTA + “Cherenkov Telescope Array Plus”

Project Type
PNRR

Call for tender
Notice No. 3264 of 28-12-2021 “Strengthening and Creation of Research Infrastructures” to be funded under PNRR Mission 4, “Education and Research” – Component 2, “From Research to Enterprise” – Investment Line 3. 1, “Fund for the realization of an integrated system of research and innovation infrastructures,” funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, reference action the 3.1.1 “Creation of new IRs or strengthening of existing ones that contribute to the objectives of Scientific Excellence of Horizon Europe and networking”

Project identification code
IR0000012

CUP
C53C22000430006

Fund grant deed reference
D.D. 125 of 21/06/2022

Purpose
The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory ERIC, with Headquarters in Italy, will soon revolutionize the field of gamma-ray astrophysics thanks to its unprecedented sensitivity extending over 4 decades in energy (0.02-300 TeV). Outstanding science and unexpected discoveries are secured!

However, due to budget constraints, the approved CTAO “Alpha configuration” of the Southern Array in Chile does not yet include the Large-Sized Telescopes (LSTs) and has a reduced number of Small-Sized Telescopes (SSTs).

This is unfortunate because LSTs are needed to provide sensitivity below 100 GeV which is key to probe cosmological and transient sources such as GRBs and multi-messenger targets from the most powerful explosions in the Universe.
More SSTs will strongly enhance the sensitivity at the highest (>10 TeV) energies and strengthen the case for PeVdomain gamma-ray astronomy in the Milky Way.

CTA+ represents a unique opportunity to fill this gap by providing the much needed additional telescopes, specifically 3 LSTs and 9 SSTs to be deployed in Chile. To maximize the scientific return, we will pursue the enhancements of INAFled facilities (the VST and TNG telescopes, and the 3 Italian VLBI radio antennae) for e.m. multi-wavelength (IR/Opt/radio) follow-up observations, which would establish CTA+ as a cornerstone of the national multi-messengerstrategy, in synergy with other PNRR multi-messengers proposals (gravitational waves with ET, neutrinos with KM3).

Additional R&D activities will be done as “CTA spin-offs” including two E2E prototypes: the Stellar Intensity Interferometry and a new Muon Tomography system to probe Volcanoes underground activity. Young scientists will be deeply involved, and a specific scientific education, outreach & communication will be carried out, in particular at the HQ in Bologna.

CTA+ will provide a unique opportunity to the Italian & international communities to greatly enhance thescientific & technological returns associated to CTA.

Scientific coordinator of the project
Massimo Cappi – Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica

INFN Scientific Manager
Carla Aramo

Local Scientific Manager – INFN Bari
Francesco Giordano – Nicola Giglietto

Administrative manager of the project
Laura Ferrara

Local Administrative Contact – INFN Bari
Teresa Cristina Sisto

Duration
30 months
Start Date 01/01/2023
End Date 12/30/2025

Financing
Contribution for INFN € 12.675.343,57

per for further information see Other projects (infn.it)